This thesis is submitted for a B.Ed. degree in pedagogy at the University of Akureyri. The purpose of this thesis is to identify influential factors in the enjoyment of reading, and to find ways to encourage additional reading and enhance enthusiasm.The theoretic part of the thesis is based on researches and treatises that indicate influential factors in the enjoyment of reading. Reading is an intellectual process and therefore reading experiences are personal. Reading comprehension is a foundation for an enjoyable experience of reading, but understanding text enables the reader to perceive the subject and conclude. The thesis discusses factors that affect reading comprehension and reading comprehension strategies are discussed. Researches of children’s reading habits touch on a difference in gender, reading enthusiasm and difference in reading habits but boys do not stand equal to girls regarding these aspects. A decisive conclusion from researches of reading habits point to the importance of associate reading with the reader’s interests. Motivation can work as a driving force on reading and enhances reading enjoyment. Findings also indicate that diverse needs have to be met in regards to reading material. Reading isn’t only confined to book reading; it extends to all types of reading material and is always beneficial. Social interaction is a big factor in reading enjoyment, social influences surface when children converse between themselves and with their reading role models. Ideas based on the theoretic part of the thesis are listed with the objective to point to ways to increase reading enthusiasm and help students perceive reading as an interesting and desirable pastime.